News and Achievements

PolyU welcomes freshmen by hosting PolyU Orientation Info Day

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the PolyU Orientation Info Day on 30 August 2023 to welcome freshmen to the PolyU family. The event was organised by the Student Affairs Office, with the theme of “Navigate Your Future”. About 1,300 freshmen attended the President’s Welcome address at the Jockey Club Auditorium or watched the live stream at the Global Student Hub and nearby Lecture Theatre on campus in the morning. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, extended his warmest welcome to the new students and said “PolyU will make every effort to provide students with a holistic education that is not only of a world-class standard but also unlocks your potential in many unique ways. We hope that our students will become the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive and significant contribution to Hong Kong, our Nation and the world.” An inspiring sharing session was delivered by Mr James O Hing-pong, recipient of the 2022 Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Entrepreneurial Achievement, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Advertising of GoGoX, and current students. In addition, new students were treated to a student dance performance and music performance by the PolyU Orchestra and Choir. To help new students become more familiar with PolyU, an Orientation Showcase was arranged in the afternoon and displayed around 60 booths hosted by different administrative units, student societies and interest clubs of PolyU. Around 3,600 students were attracted to explore an array of co-curricular activities and services at PolyU. Prof. Teng showed his support by visiting the booths, encouraging freshmen to actively engage with people from various backgrounds and participate in campus activities in order to broaden their horizons.

SHKP-Kwoks’ Foundation x PolyU Building Homes with Heart Scholarship Programme award ceremony

The inaugural award ceremony of the Building Homes with Heart Scholarship Programme, a joint initiative by the SHKP-Kwoks’ Foundation (the Foundation) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held recently, where the scholarships were presented to 10 PolyU students. The scholarship programme aims to provide support to exceptional PolyU students, with a particular focus on those facing financial challenges, in their pursuit of studies in construction, real estate, or engineering-related disciplines. Director of the Foundation Thomas Kwok said: “Over the years, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting outstanding students from Hong Kong and the mainland in their pursuit of tertiary education. We are delighted to have helped more than 11,000 people complete their studies or training in the past 21 years. We hope the scholarship will become a driving force for the students to achieve greater success in their studies and careers, thereby contributing to the future development of the country and Hong Kong.” PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) Professor Ben Young said: “PolyU is a cradle for cultivating talent for Hong Kong’s construction industry, and PolyU graduates have contributed a lot to the development of both the industry and the city. We are delighted to collaborate with Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) to nurture a new generation of talent for the construction industry and promote the advancement of new green technologies, helping Hong Kong to become carbon neutral and creating a sustainable future. I hope PolyU graduates will continue to help advance the development of building technologies and transform scientific research into practical applications.” Following the award ceremony, SHKP Executive Director Adam Kwok engaged in an exchange with the students who were deeply impressed by the SHKP projects in Hong Kong and on the mainland. Adam Kwok encouraged the students to maintain their lifelong pursuit of learning. He said: “The real estate and construction industries definitely need new blood. We envision the scholarship program as a catalyst for cultivating new talent, poised to support upcoming infrastructure and commercial projects. I strongly encourage the students to seize this opportunity, make the most of their scholarships, keep learning, and actively contribute to the industry’s growth in the years ahead.” The 10 recipients are undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, the Department of Building and Real Estate, and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Each student was awarded a scholarship of up to HK$40,000. During the ceremony, Chung Wai-kit, Ho Sik-man and Law Sing expressed their gratitude for SHKP’s support. They conveyed their deep appreciation for the scholarships, which not only alleviated their financial burdens but also served as a source of encouragement. The students said they were well aware of the abundant opportunities awaiting them in the Greater Bay Area, where the government's supportive policies have created a high demand for skilled construction professionals. They expressed their aspirations to pursue successful careers and make meaningful contributions on the mainland in the future. SHKP Executive Director Robert Chan, himself a PolyU graduate, shared his valuable work experiences and insights during the ceremony, further inspiring the students. The awardees also visited the International Commerce Centre (ICC) on the same day and were briefed on the project design and development plan of SHKP’s mega commercial project on top the High Speed Rail West Kowloon Station. In addition to the scholarship programme, in November last year, SHKP and PolyU signed a memorandum on SHKP x PolyU Building Innovation & Technology Research Projects to foster collaboration between the industry, and the academic and research sectors. Three research projects were launched, focusing on green application (developing a smart, efficient and flexible energy management system), green building materials and green construction processes. The goal is to translate scientific research into applications to help Hong Kong evolve into a smart, carbon-neutral city. SHKP demonstrates its commitment to nurturing young Hong Kong talent through various programmes. These initiatives include trainee programmes for young people in Hong Kong and on the mainland, which have successfully recruited nearly 70 graduates over the past five years. In addition, SHKP’s subsidiary Sanfield Construction organizes an annual summer internship programme that offers university students studying construction engineering with extensive hands-on experience to learn about the industry before they enter the workplace. This year, the programme attracted 72 students, over half of whom were PolyU students.

Prof. Kwok-yin Wong and Prof. Albert P.C. Chan introduce PolyU teaching and learning on radio programme

On Metro Radio’s programme “Life-Long Learning”, Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Prof. Albert P.C. Chan, Dean of Students of PolyU, introduced teaching and learning at PolyU and the support provided by the University for the all-round development and growth of students.   Prof. Wong said PolyU had been enhancing the undergraduate programmes in line with the needs of social development, including introducing the subjects “Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics” and “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” to meet future societal needs. Prof. Chan also introduced different admission schemes and support aimed at unleashing student potential.   Metro Radio programme  (27 June 2023 - Part 1: 10:30 - 29:51; Part 2: 00:00 - 29:37) 

Student Affairs Office wins Silver Award at the Fair Trade School Awards 2022-23

Student Affairs Office received Silver Award at the Fair Trade School Awards 2023, in recognition of our engagement in a wide range of Fair Trade events and realisation of our visions in equity and sustainability by having shared related universal values and messages with students. We have helped the University achieve 12 out of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals with Fairtrade. The scheme has been organised by Fair Trade Hong Kong Foundation (FTHK) since 2016, aiming to recognise schools that contribute to nurturing a responsible and empathetic generation, particularly through Fair Trade education programmes. FTHK looks at three major criteria, including engagement level, uniqueness of the Fair Trade programme and sustainable impact of the Fair Trade education implemented in the school, to decide which level of the award is to be presented.

PolyU organises the Asian Universities Water Polo Invitational Tournament with six participating teams from the Mainland, Japan and South Korea

The Asian Universities Water Polo Invitational Tournament, organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and sponsored by the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, kicked off today. Six participating teams from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan and South Korea will compete for the championship in the four-day competition, strengthening the bonds between universities in Asia as well as promoting water polo and sportsmanship in the region. The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU and Mr Justin MONG of the Shun Hing Group and the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund. At the opening ceremony, Prof. Ben Young expressed his gratitude to all parties for their staunch support for the tournament, “It is our privilege to host the Asian Universities Water Polo Invitational Tournament, which provides a wonderful opportunity to foster the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship among our young people. PolyU has been promoting a vibrant sporting culture on our campus for many years. The Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme which was established in 1998 has admitted over 1,500 elite athletes to various full-time undergraduate programmes. In addition, we offer the Elite Athletes Study Programme in partnership with the Hong Kong Sports Institute and participate in the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme to further support young athletes in achieving both academic and sporting excellence.” In addition to the PolyU Water Polo Team, other teams in the tournament include Juntendo University and Niigata Sangyo University from Japan, Korea National Sport University from South Korea, South China Agricultural University from Mainland China, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The six teams will play a preliminary round-robin in two groups from today to 6 July. The Gold Medal Match will be played between the top team of each group at PolyU’s Michael Clinton Swimming Pool on 8 July. Individual awards for Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player will be presented to players with outstanding performance, while scholarships will be awarded to all participating teams. The public is welcome to attend the Gold Medal Match. Please visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/sao/counselling-and-wellness-section/polyu-asian-universities-water-polo-invitational-tournament/ for further information.

PolyU holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a flag-raising ceremony on campus to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR). PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai, President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence LI Kwok-chang, University Court Chairman Dr Katherine NGAN, President Emeritus Prof. POON Chung-kwong, Honorary Court Chairman Dr Roy CHUNG Chi-ping, together with Council and Court members, University senior management, University Fellows, and around 600 distinguished guests, staff, students and alumni attended the ceremony, wishing the Nation and Hong Kong prosperity and stability. The ceremony was performed by the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of strong support from the Motherland and close connection to the world for the past 26 years. With the staunch support of the central government and the leadership of the HKSAR government, Hong Kong has achieved the transition from chaos to order and embarked on a new journey from stability to prosperity. By leveraging its research excellence and edge in nurturing talents, PolyU will fully support Hong Kong’s integration into national development while aligning with our country’s key national development strategies and seizing the corresponding opportunities. PolyU shall also spare no effort in cultivating leading professionals with a strong affection for Hong Kong, who will capitalise on their strengths for the betterment of the Nation and Hong Kong” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “This year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Since the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Hong Kong has been proactively participating in the high-quality development of the Nation, leading us to a promising future. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, and provides the best holistic education to nurture ‘leaders of tomorrow’ who possess a strong sense of national identity. We will continute to forge partnerships with universities, research institutions, governments at various levels and enterprises in the Mainland, and connect our research capability to the needs of local industries to support the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub while contributing to the Nation’s technological advancement.”

Four PolyU students bagged the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2023

PolyU students received the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2023. Jointly organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, HSBC, and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, the Innovation and Technology Scholarship aims to nurture and encourage students who not only have outstanding academic achievements, but also a strong passion for innovation and technology. It is hoped that, through the scholarship programme, recipients can widen their international/Mainland exposure and gain industry experience, as well as persistently pursue their dreams with their innovative ideas and help create positive changes to society. Our PolyU awardees are: KWOK Hin Chi, BSc (Hons) in Enterprise Engineering with Management SO Cheuk Yin, BSc (Hons) in Medical Laboratory Science TANG Killian, BSc (Hons) in Nursing WONG Sze Lam, BSc (Hons) in Property Management The Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony 2023 was held on 13 June 2023.  PolyU senior management and staff members attended the Ceremony to show their support to the awardees. Media Coverage: Hong Kong Economic Times Sing Tao Daily News Ta Kung Pao Hong Kong Commercial Daily China News Service

SAO website wins Silver Award at the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2022/23

SAO website received Silver Award at the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2022/23, in recognition of our efforts in adopting effective accessibility designs in our website. The Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and co-organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, with the Equal Opportunities Commission as the independent advisor. The Scheme aims to recognise companies or organisations that design accessible websites and mobile applications to building an inclusive society.

Two PolyU students completed the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme

The Recognition Ceremony of the “Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme” was held on 3 June 2023 (Saturday). Two PolyU students, Au-Yeung Kok Yi and FUNG Yeuk Shuen, participated and completed the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme. Through a range of experiential learning activities over the past six months, they gained deeper understanding of the lives of various communities and ethnic groups, and enriched their knowledge and experience of equal opportunities. The Scheme also fostered a spirit of diversity and inclusion among the participants. At the Recognition Ceremony, the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassadors were presented with certificates. We wish that the students will continue to help spread the messages of diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion to their peers on campus.

Strategic Planning Session with Students

Effective communication with students is always vital for the advancement of PolyU. To prepare for the University’s Strategic Plan, which covers a six-year period from July 2025 to June 2031, a Strategic Planning Session with Students was held on 15 May 2023 in hybrid mode to solicit opinions from students. Council members were also invited to attend the session as observers.  During the session, President Teng provided students with the background to the process, explained the University’s current positioning and latest achievements, reviewed the implementation of various strategic initiatives over the past few years and outlined the key strategic goals for the next phase of university development. Thoughtful questions and suggestions were also raised by students, including those about financial support for student programmes and space allocation for student organisations, which are possible issues for further deliberation during later strategic planning stages.